First Day of School Songs for Preschool, Kindergarten and Early Elementary Classes

Songs on the first day of school play an important role in a preschool and early elementary classroom. Kids love music and learning a new song helps them focus on learning something new within a few minutes of entering their new room. Learning songs together also promotes teamwork and unity on the first day of school. A happy song also sets a positive tone for new activities students may find intimidating such as the first day of school, meeting new friends, and riding the bus.

Set a joyful tone in your classroom on the first day by singing a rousing song to a familiar tune. The following song is sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It":

It's the first day of school, give a clap. (clap, clap)

It's the first day of school, give a clap. (clap, clap)

It's time to sing and play,

And learn new things everyday.

It's the first day of school, give a clap. (clap, clap)

It's the first day of school stomp your feet. (stomp, stomp)...

It's the first day of school, shout hooray! (hooray!)...

As you call roll, it is helpful to both you and the students in your class to learn names by singing a song to each child as he or she answers to roll.

Hello _______. Hello _______.

How are you? How are you?

Welcome to the first grade. (or Mrs. Jones Class, or your new class, your new school, etc...)

We're so glad you came today.

Please sit down. Please sit down.

The following song is interactive and allows the children of your class to introduce themselves in a more dramatic way. To sing this song you will want to provide them a hiding place that they can crouch behind, such as a small table turned on its side, and jump out of at the appropriate time. The song is sung to the tune of "The Ten Little Indians."

Who's that hiding behind the table?

Who's that hiding behind the table?

Who's that hiding behind the table?

Please tell us who you are.

(Hiding child jumps out) I'm __________.

Hello _______. It's nice to meet you.

Hello _______. It's nice to meet you.

Hello _______. It's nice to meet you.

Now please come join the class.

Class rules are easier to learn if they are learned first in a song. The following song from preschooleducation.com is sung to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Here are rules for you and me,
See how important they can be.
Always be honest, be kind, and fair,
Always be good and willing to share.
These are rules that we should know,
And follow them wherever we go.

Don't forget to sing "The Wheels on the Bus" before you walk your class out to meet the bus.